This paper introduces the distributed optimal control model which combines quality-improving and variety-enhancing innovations of hetero-geneous type. Each newly invented product has its own dimension of quality and its characteristics are di erent from other invented products.The single agent...

In this paper, which is a continuation of the discrete time paper, we develop a theory for continuous time stochastic control problems which, in various ways, are time inconsistent in the sense that they do not admit a Bellman optimality principle. We study these problems within a game theoretic...

We present the regression-based Monte Carlo simulation algorithms for solving the stochastic control models associated with pricing and hedging of the Guaranteed Lifelong Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) in variable annuities, where the dynamics of the underlying fund value is assumed to evolve...

Generalising the idea of the classical EM algorithm that is widely used for computing maximum likelihood estimates, we propose an EM-Control (EM-C) algorithm for solving multi-period finite time horizon stochastic control problems. The new algorithm sequentially updates the control policies in...

This thesis deals with the portfolio optimization problem of an investor who aims to maximize the expected utility of her terminal wealth. The considered multidimensional asset price model incorporates several risk factors modeled both by diffusion processes and by a Markov chain. Based on the...

In this paper, we review pricing of the variable annuity living and death guarantees offered to retail investors in many countries. Investors purchase these products to take advantage of market growth and protect savings. We present pricing of these products via an optimal stochastic control...